Priority 1 Air Rescue Secures USCG Training Contract

Priority 1 Air Rescue (P1AR), a provider of full spectrum helicopter mission training and operational Search and Rescue (SAR) Air Ambulance services, has been awarded a 5-year training contract with the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Under this contract, P1AR will continue to provide specialized hoist operator training for ab-initio flight mechanic crew members assigned to both the MH-65E and MH-60T helicopters at the P1AR Search and Rescue Tactical Training Academy (SART/TAC) located in Mesa Arizona.

This new contract award follows the successful completion of a previous 5-year training contract where P1AR delivered a total of 58 MH-65D/E and MH-60T courses training to over 400 USCG students. During the term of the first contract, a total of 95,546 synthetic hoist training evolutions were completed by USCG students utilizing both the Hoist Procedural Towers (HPT) and Advanced Aircrew Mission Simulators (AAMS). The hoist evolutions practiced during synthetic training included a full spectrum of basic part task training progressing to full advanced SAR scenarios including; high risk missions, night operations, and, extensive hoist emergency procedures practice.

While attending SART/TAC, students receive comprehensive instructor-led ground school training, eLearning/CBT, instruction with USCG specific SAR equipment, synthetic training with both Goodrich hand Breeze Eastern hoist systems in the HPT’s and virtual hoist training utilizing the AAMS devices with P1AR instructors. The academic and practical training provided at SART/TAC provides the USCG with a standardized baseline of training for all new Helicopter Hoist Operators and is a designated USCG “C” School. After successfully completing the training program at SART/TAC, the FM students return to their respective USCG Air Stations for the next phase of live flight training which culminates in a qualification check ride.

“This collaboration plays a critical role in initial Flight Mechanic development through enhancing the proficiency of our aviation personnel through synthetic-based training environments, ensuring operational readiness, and maintaining the highest standards of performance across our MH-60 and MH-65 communities,” said Justin Merritt, The Contracting Officers Representative (COR) supporting the USCG Office of Aviation Forces (CG-711) from the Aviation Projects Acquisition Center (APAC).“The continuation of this training relationship with P1AR and the USCG helps maximize the availability of our assets for mission-critical operations while delivering cost-effective training solutions.”